Man armed with ice pick chases Hispanic motorcyclist while shouting ‘go back to your country'
Joseph Zens, 72, charged with hate crime after allegedly yelling racist slurs at biker with Mexican flag on his motorcycle
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.An Illinois man has been charged with a hate crime after allegedly yelling “anti-Mexican slurs” at a Hispanic motorcyclist while chasing him with an ice pick.
Joseph Zens, 72, climbed out of his car to shout racist abuse at the biker, who had a Mexican flag on his vehicle, according to Lake County Sheriff’s Office (LCSO.)
Mr Zens had been driving his Hyundai 4x4 in the village of Gurnee on Wednesday when he abruptly changed lanes, cutting off the 57-year-old motorcyclist.
As the biker attempted to obtain the licence number of the Hyundai, Zens “began yelling anti-Mexican racial slurs/expletives at the victim and told him to go back to his country,” LCSO said in a statement.
The office added: “Zens then retrieved an ice pick from his vehicle and began chasing the victim with it, continuing to yell racial slurs and racial expletives.
“The victim was able to get onto his motorcycle and move away before being struck with the ice pick. The victim then called 911 for police assistance.”
Officers went to Zens’s home and found the ice pick in his car. He was arrested and taken to Lake County prison.
Zens was charged with a felony hate crime and misdemeanour aggravated assault and faces up to three years in prison if convicted.
“This type of hateful conduct will never be tolerated in Lake County,” said state attorney Michael Nerheim.
Sheriff John Idleburg added: “Hate has absolutely no place in Lake County. Being victimised because of the colour of one’s skin, ancestry, religion, sexual orientation, or any other protected classification is completely unacceptable.”
Zens has been remanded in custody on a $15,000 (£12,300) bond ahead of his next court appearance on 28 August.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments